Hard Tail Ale

King Brewing Co. was formed in 1994, reviving a brewing tradition in southeastern Michigan that had ceased in the early 1950s when the last small brewer was forced to close in Pontiac.

ABV: 6.5ABW: 5.2Color: 10-12Bitterness: 38-45Original Gravity: 1060

Caramel and honey on the nose and palate of this amber/marmalade colored beer, with citrus fruit throughout. Firm, dry, grapefruit tannin finish. There’s decent heft to this beer and a good balance between flavor and drinkability. Traditional American pale ale.- John Hansell

Turbid, deep golden color topped with a healthy head, leaving a distinctive lace pattern. Aromatics are slight, though a deep sniff does reveal citrus and floral tones of the noble weed. Good fresh mouthfeel. Though decidedly hoppy, there is a balance of malt, providing a delicious match to rich and spicy foods like eggplant barta, Szechwan potatoes, blue corn tortillas filled with salsa and cheese and even a chocolate desert.- Charles Finkel

John HansellJohn Hansell is an equal-opportunity drinker. He writes about beer, wine and spirits. He is the creator, publisher & editor of Malt Advocate, a magazine for the whisky enthusiast.

Charles FinkelFounder of Merchant du Vin and the Pike Brewing Co., Charles Finkel is a pioneer in the marketing of craft beers in America.